Brian Atkinson

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working in some of the most demanding mental health settings in New York. I've worked directly with people navigating trauma, unmanaged anger, chronic stress, and anxiety - not just in a clinical environment, but in the real world. That background makes me practical, grounded, and genuinely hard to shock.

I work with teenagers who feel like they're falling behind and adults who are tired of just getting by. As a male therapist, I've found that a lot of people - especially teen boys and men who've never felt comfortable opening up - connect with that in a way that makes a real difference early on.

All sessions are via telehealth, so you can meet with me from anywhere in New York on your schedule, including evenings.

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. CBT helps you understand how your thoughts are driving your feelings and behaviors, and then actually change them. Motivational Interviewing is about meeting you where you are and helping you get clear on what you actually want - not what you think you're supposed to want.

My style is direct, practical, and collaborative. I'm not going to tell you what to do with your life, but I'm going to be honest with you and hold you accountable. Sessions aren't just about venting for an hour - they're about understanding what's getting in your way and building a plan to move through it.

The first session is really about getting to know each other. I'll ask what's going on, what you've already tried, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. There's no pressure to have everything figured out - most people don't when they start. By the end of the first session, we'll have a clearer picture of what we're working on together and a rough plan for how to get there. My goal is that you leave feeling like this was worth your time, and with a clear next step, not just more questions.